Secondary Schools Staffing Survey

HC Deb 29 June 1989 vol 155 cc539-40W

Mr. Straw

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) when he will publish the full results of the secondary schools staffing survey;

(2) when, and in what form, the secondary schools staffing survey was published; and whether (a) any press notice was issued to accompany it and (b) any briefing for the press by Ministers or officials was held.

Mr. Kenneth Baker

Key results from the 1988 secondary school staffing survey were placed in the Library

requirements. I hope that greater numbers studying a language to the age of 16 will result in an increase in those continuing with language learning not only in the sixth form but in post-school education.

Changes in examinations at 16 and 18 will improve standards of oral and written communication.

I shall shortly be announcing the establishment of a national curriculum working group on modern foreign languages with a view to beginning to implement the first attainment targets and programmes of study in schools from autumn 1992.